Rhea Ripley Bio
Early Life and Background
Demi Bennett, known professionally as Rhea Ripley, was born on 11 October 1996 in Adelaide, South Australia. Growing up in the beachside suburb of Glenelg, she attended Henley High School during her teenage years. Ripley is of Italian descent through her mother’s side, which adds to her unique cultural background.
Ripley was introduced to wrestling at a young age, inspired by watching wrestlers like The Miz. She began training in various sports, including swimming, karate, rugby, netball, and soccer, which contributed to her athletic prowess. Her passion for wrestling led her to debut in the sport at just 16 years old.
Path to WWE
Ripley started her wrestling career in 2013, competing on the independent circuit under her real name. She made her debut in Riot City Wrestling on 22 June 2013, where she quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, winning the RCW Women’s Championship twice. Over the next few years, she also competed in various promotions, including New Horizon Pro Wrestling and Melbourne City Wrestling, showcasing her talent and determination.
In 2017, Ripley signed with WWE and participated in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, where she adopted the ring name Rhea Ripley. Her performance in the tournament caught the attention of WWE officials, leading to her promotion to the NXT brand, where she continued to develop her skills and gain recognition.
Rhea Ripley Career
Early Career (2013–2017)
Ripley’s early career was marked by her time in Riot City Wrestling, where she became a two-time RCW Women’s Champion. Her journey through various independent promotions helped her hone her craft and build a reputation as a skilled wrestler. She gained valuable experience, competing against some of the best talents in Australia and abroad.
In 2017, after a successful run on the independent circuit, Ripley signed with WWE, marking a significant turning point in her career. She made her NXT television debut later that year, setting the stage for her future success.
WWE Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Ripley’s WWE journey began with her participation in the Mae Young Classic, where she showcased her potential by defeating Miranda Salinas in the first round. Although she was eliminated in the second round, her performance earned her a spot on the NXT roster. In August 2018, she became the inaugural NXT UK Women’s Champion, making history as the first female Australian champion in WWE.
Ripley’s rise continued as she transitioned to the NXT brand, where she won the NXT Women’s Championship and became the first wrestler to defend an NXT title at WrestleMania. Her time in NXT solidified her status as a top competitor, culminating in her promotion to the main roster on Raw in 2022, where she joined The Judgment Day faction.
In April 2023, Ripley won the SmackDown Women’s Championship, which was later renamed the Women’s World Championship. This victory made her the seventh WWE Women’s Triple Crown Champion and the fifth Grand Slam Champion, further establishing her legacy in the industry.
WWE Era (2022–Present)
Since joining WWE, Ripley has consistently delivered impressive performances, earning accolades and fan admiration. Her current run has seen her maintain a dominant presence on the Raw brand, where she has successfully defended her championship multiple times against formidable opponents.
Ripley’s partnership with The Judgment Day has added a new dimension to her character, allowing her to showcase her versatility as both a competitor and a team player. Her ability to adapt and evolve has kept her at the forefront of women’s wrestling.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Ripley is known for her powerful in-ring style, combining strength and agility to outmaneuver her opponents. Her strategic approach to matches, along with her ability to connect with the audience, has made her a fan favorite. Additionally, her partnership with other wrestlers in The Judgment Day has showcased her teamwork and adaptability.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Ripley’s career is highlighted by her multiple championship reigns, including her historic run as Women’s World Champion, which tied the record for the longest reign at 380 days. She has also made history as the first woman to win the Royal Rumble match as the number one entrant, further solidifying her status as one of the top female wrestlers in WWE history.
Rhea Ripley Career Wins
Ripley has achieved significant success throughout her wrestling career, accumulating numerous wins across various promotions and championships.
Current WWE Series Highlights
As of 2025, Ripley has successfully defended her Women’s World Championship multiple times, including notable victories against top competitors. Her first win of the year came at Day 1, where she retained her title against Ivy Nile. She continued her reign with successful defenses against formidable challengers, showcasing her dominance in the women’s division.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
Before her current reign, Ripley held the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT UK Women’s Championship, among others. Her ability to perform at a high level in various divisions has made her a standout competitor in WWE.
Rhea Ripley Family
Family Background and WWE Lineage
Ripley is married to fellow Australian wrestler Buddy Matthews, with whom she shares a strong bond both personally and professionally. Their relationship has been a source of support throughout her wrestling journey.
Personal Life
Ripley is a fan of various music genres and has cited bands like Ice Nine Kills and Motionless in White as influences. She is also known for her athletic background and involvement in multiple sports, which has contributed to her success in wrestling.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Ripley, marked by her continued dominance in the Women’s World Championship division. Her storyline has involved intense rivalries and high-stakes matches, showcasing her resilience and skill. As she navigates the challenges of defending her title, Ripley’s performance remains a focal point in WWE, with fans eagerly anticipating her next moves in the ring.
